O'NEILL, SHARON LEE
1945-2025
Sharon Lee O'Neill, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on October 6, 2025 in Woodbine NJ. She was born on September 9, 1945 to the late Thomas and Edlina Howell.
Sharon was a selfless woman whose love for her family knew no bounds. Her kindness, her strength, and her gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.
She was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and carried the memories of her childhood there throughout her life, often sharing stories that made her family laugh and smile. Sharon married Frank O'Neill in 1963, she raised their three children, Timothy, Debbie, and Michael, while her husband served in the military. After years of moving from military base to base, they finally made a home in Green Creek, New Jersey in 1984.
After the sudden loss of her husband of 35 years, Sharon found love again with Peter J. Gilson. They shared 26 years of joy, companionship, and quiet happiness until his passing in 2024. In retirement, they moved to Woodbine, New Jersey, where they embraced life together, creating countless cherished memories.
Sharon spent her later years volunteering and teaching others her passion for the art of quilting. Each quilt she made was a piece of her heart, crafted with care and love, and given freely to those she treasured. Her faith as a devoted Lutheran guided her life and gave her strength, comfort, and purpose.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frank O'Neill, her brothers Thomas and Gary Howell, her eldest son, Timothy O'Neill, and her partner Peter J. Gilson.
She is survived by her sister, Connie Kramer, her daughter, Debbie Johnson, her son, Michael (Sharon) O'Neill, her grandchildren, Christopher (Kayleigh) O'Neill, Amber Johnson, Chelsea (Anthony) Johnson, Haley (Josh) O'Neill, and Devon (LaQuay) O'Neill, and her beloved greatgrandchildren, Abby, Achilles, Lucas, Amiri, and Aurora. Each of them was the light of her life, and she adored them with a love that was fierce, tender, and everlasting.
Sharon was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved partner. She gave her heart fully to those she loved, always putting their needs before her own, and always ensuring that they felt cared for, safe, and cherished.
She was the matriarch of a family who loved her beyond words, and her grace, her strength, and her love will continue to live in their hearts forever.
Visitation and Service
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14th, beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Avenue, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.
Burial
Interment will take place immediately following the service at Cape May County Veterans Cemetery in Cape May Court House. Condolences at www.radzieta.com
